Hayley Limpkin, age 29, lives in Chatham, Kent. Hayley has been the Principal of Razzamataz Medway since September 2010 and Razzamataz Maidstone since September 2011.

Hayley Limpkin, age 29, lives in Chatham, Kent. Hayley has been the Principal of Razzamataz Medway since September 2010 and Razzamataz Maidstone since September 2011.

Q. How did you hear about Razzamataz?

Hayley: I found Razzamataz through a franchise website and after research I remembered them from Dragons’ Den.

Q. What’s your background?

Hayley: I was a professional dancer traveling around the world on cruise ships as well as performing at Disney. After an injury I started studying at an open university while on a cruise ship. I then went of to study for a Masters in Business, which led to securing a position with a global blue chip marketing company. It was a fantastic role working with the likes of Virgin Atlantic and Sky but incredibly long hours with lots of traveling.

Q. Have you always wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Hayley: I’ve always had a dream of running my own theatre school. I initially thought about doing it on my own but if I’m completely honest, I knew I would financially need to be at break even point straight away and with a trusted model like a Razzamataz franchise I thought I had a better chance of doing just that. I also really loved what Razzamataz stands for and what it can offer students.

Q. How did you finance your business?

Hayley: Savings

Q. What are the best things about being a Razzamataz Principal?

Hayley: Being part of something that is really great with all the great opportunities that are on offer. We are offering students once in a lifetime experiences such as taking them to the West End to perform. There is also a fantastic network of other Razzamataz Principals that are so friendly and helpful and we can draw from one another’s expertise.

For example, one of the Principals is really experienced in putting on big productions whereas I can offer help in terms of marketing

Q. What are the most difficult aspects of running your own business?

Hayley: The work home life balance can be difficult to get right. It can be all consuming so I have had to be really strict and set myself boundaries because I’m so passionate about my schools. Although I love it, I have to remind myself that it is a business and I have to make sure I get the cash flow right to pay my staff and myself!

Q. What advice can you offer other people going into business?

Hayley: Focus on the things that matter most and don’t get bogged down by small things. Be aware of the competition but don’t loose the momentum of your own business by wasting two much time on what other people are doing. Don’t be frightened to be ambitious and go for what you want and make sure you shout about the success that you’ve achieved.

Q. What’s a typical day like?

Hayley: I’m in my home office by 9am to listen to voicemails and answer emails and to book potential students into taster sessions. I quite often have meetings with local press and advertising as well as meetings with my teachers. I have a brilliant team but I make sure that communication is key and at least once a week I speak with my team.

I also have staff meetings and one to ones where we discuss how to Win, Learn and Change, which is basically a review of where we are and how we can improve. I try to take Mondays off and dedicate a half a day each week to plan what’s next for both of the schools in terms of what opportunities are on offer and what we would like to achieve.